Retired Caucus Article
Submitted by LTC (Ret) Geraldine Longfellow
Hello Retirees: I am happy to write a few lines about the Retired/ Separated Caucus meeting that took place on 21 September during the 130th NGAUS conference in Baltimore, ME. Around 140 retirees and guests attended the session.
COL (Ret) Ray Magill, Retired/Separated Director-Air (MA) recognized the efforts of the Maryland Retiree Committee in sponsoring the Conference Retired/Separated Luncheon and Caucus meeting. He also introduced special guests in attendance including: past and present NGAUS Directors and Executive Committee members, as well as former TAGs. COL (Ret) Don Deering (TN) was elected to a 3-year tour as Retired/Separated Director-Army. (COL (Ret) Ray Magill term expires in 2010.)
The guest speaker was COL (Ret) Pete Duffy, Deputy Legislative Director for NGAUS. He called on Retirees to take a more active role in assisting to lobby congress for retired issues. He talked about this year's successful defeat of legislative efforts to raise TRICRE premiums. Beginning on 28 January 2008, age 60 retirement can be reduced by three months for each aggregate of 90 days in support of a contingency operation. Next year's legislative efforts will continue to work to make this early retirement provision retroactive to 2001. Focus will also be on authorizing Gray Area Retirees to purchase TRICARE Standard at government cost. Pre-deployment medical/ dental coverage is currently available for our ready reserve members starting at 90-days prior to mobilization. NGAUS will work to advance these benefits to begin with receipt of the Training Alert order. This should provide more responsive pre-deployment medical support, especially with dental care issues.
Sen. Chamblis of GA was recognized for his exceptional support in sponsoring many National Guard friendly legislative initiatives. The Housing Rescue bill contains provision to extend the 6% interest cap for 1 year post-deployment and calls for no foreclosures for 9 months post-deployment. VA health care is now extended for 5 years (vs. 2 years) post-deployment of a combat tour. There is a strong push to improve behavioral health programs. NGAUS will host a Mental Health Accessibility Roundtable panel on 9 October at the National Guard Memorial Building in DC.
Your Minnesota delegation to the 130th NGAUS General Conference included 12 Air and Army retirees. By the way if you are not a paid up for life member of NGAUS, please consider doing so. The cost is a reasonable, one-time, $125 (National only - State life is $50).
Hello Retirees: I am happy to write a few lines about the Retired/ Separated Caucus meeting that took place on 21 September during the 130th NGAUS conference in Baltimore, ME. Around 140 retirees and guests attended the session.
COL (Ret) Ray Magill, Retired/Separated Director-Air (MA) recognized the efforts of the Maryland Retiree Committee in sponsoring the Conference Retired/Separated Luncheon and Caucus meeting. He also introduced special guests in attendance including: past and present NGAUS Directors and Executive Committee members, as well as former TAGs. COL (Ret) Don Deering (TN) was elected to a 3-year tour as Retired/Separated Director-Army. (COL (Ret) Ray Magill term expires in 2010.)
The guest speaker was COL (Ret) Pete Duffy, Deputy Legislative Director for NGAUS. He called on Retirees to take a more active role in assisting to lobby congress for retired issues. He talked about this year's successful defeat of legislative efforts to raise TRICRE premiums. Beginning on 28 January 2008, age 60 retirement can be reduced by three months for each aggregate of 90 days in support of a contingency operation. Next year's legislative efforts will continue to work to make this early retirement provision retroactive to 2001. Focus will also be on authorizing Gray Area Retirees to purchase TRICARE Standard at government cost. Pre-deployment medical/ dental coverage is currently available for our ready reserve members starting at 90-days prior to mobilization. NGAUS will work to advance these benefits to begin with receipt of the Training Alert order. This should provide more responsive pre-deployment medical support, especially with dental care issues.
Sen. Chamblis of GA was recognized for his exceptional support in sponsoring many National Guard friendly legislative initiatives. The Housing Rescue bill contains provision to extend the 6% interest cap for 1 year post-deployment and calls for no foreclosures for 9 months post-deployment. VA health care is now extended for 5 years (vs. 2 years) post-deployment of a combat tour. There is a strong push to improve behavioral health programs. NGAUS will host a Mental Health Accessibility Roundtable panel on 9 October at the National Guard Memorial Building in DC.
Your Minnesota delegation to the 130th NGAUS General Conference included 12 Air and Army retirees. By the way if you are not a paid up for life member of NGAUS, please consider doing so. The cost is a reasonable, one-time, $125 (National only - State life is $50).
posted by ngamn.blog at
9:05 PM
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